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Explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is an ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian Gods. The origins of this temple can be traced back to the 6th century BC when Athenian...

Also Known As

Temple of Zeus

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Athens 105 57, Greece

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

8am–3pm

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Temple of Zeus is home to the largest surviving ancient temple in Greece, with its remaining 15 out of 104 colossal Corinthian columns standing tall.

The construction of the Temple of Zeus took over 600 years to complete, starting in the 6th century BC and finishing in the 2nd century CE.

In Greek mythology, the Temple of Zeus was believed to house the Chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What to see at the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

The Arch of Hadrian (Hadrian’s Gate)

Standing 8 meters tall, the Gate of Hadrian is a remarkable example of Roman architecture commissioned by Emperor Hadrian around 132 AD. The Arch was built to honor his contributions to Athens and mark the symbolic boundary between the ancient Greek city and the new Roman-influenced section. Its massive scale and intricate design are sure to amaze you.

Temple of Apollo Delphinius

The Temple of Apollo Delphinius is an ancient temple, dedicated to Apollo, the the Greek god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. The temple was used for worship only until the 4th century AD, after which it was abandoned. Much of the original structure has been lost to time, with only a few foundational stones and fragmented columns hinting at its former grandeur.

Temple of Kronos and Rhea

The Temple of Kronos and Rhea was once dedicated to the powerful Titan deities, parents of Zeus and the earliest rulers of the Olympian Gods in Greek mythology. Though only remnants of the temple remain today, the information snippets surrounding its fragments offer visitors a glimpse into the ancient rituals held in honor of these primordial deities.

The Themistoclean Wall

Built by the ancient Athenians around the 5th century BC, the Themistoclean Wall protected the city from invasions, standing as a symbol of Athens' resilience and military strategy. It was named after the visionary general Themistocles, who spearheaded the expansion of the Athenian navy and strengthened its position in the ancient world.

History of the Temple of Zeus

520 BC: The tyrant Pesistratus and his son commissions the construction of the Temple of Zeus, aiming to build one of the grandest temples in the Greek world.
After 510 BC: Construction halts due to the fall of the Peisistratid tyranny and the shift in political power, leaving the temple unfinished for centuries.
174 BC to 164 BC: Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Hellenistic king of the Seleucid Empire, resumes the temple construction. He brings in the Roman architect Cossutius to design a grand Corinthian-style temple.
After 164 BC: The death of Antiochus IV halts the construction once again, leaving the temple incomplete for almost two more centuries.
132 AD: The Roman Emperor Hadrian picks up where Epiphanes abandoned and completes the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The temple opens to the public, standing tall as a cultural fusion of Athenian and Roman styles.

Who built the Temple of Zeus in Athens?

The Temple of Zeus was first commissioned by the Athenian tyrant Peisistratus and his sons around 520 BC. However, with the fall of the Peisistratid tyranny in 510 BC, construction came to a halt, leaving the temple unfinished. It wasn’t until 132 AD that Emperor Hadrian took up the project and finally completed the temple’s construction.

Hadrian was a well-known admirer of Greek culture, philosophy, and art. His dedication to completing Zeus’s Temple stemmed from his vision of a unified empire that honored both Greek heritage and Roman strength. In Zeus, Hadrian saw a reflection of the ideals he valued- wisdom, authority, and strength. Completing the temple became a way for him to honor these principles and leave behind a legacy that reinforced his stature in the ancient world.

Temple of Olympian Zeus architecture

A monumental structure: The Temple of Zeus originally spanned 96 meters in length, boasting over 104 columns that framed a vast open space for worship. This enormous layout shows how deeply the ancient Athenians revered Zeus and also set a precedent for large-scale temple architecture in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Corinthian columns at its finest: The temple’s columns, each standing over 17 meters tall, were built in the Corinthian order and adorned with acanthus leaves and scrolls. The use of Corinthian columns was considered to be a decorative addition and was less common in Greek temples. Most likely, Emperor Hadrian had chosen to later align the temple’s design with Roman ideals of architectural embellishments.
Built with Pentelic marble: Built from Pentelic marble, Zeus’s Temple was built to withstand the ages. In its prime, the marble worked its magic, its white surface always sparkling with a subtle golden sheen. Despite centuries of exposure, the remaining columns still reflect their past grandeur, glowing softly when sun rays fall on them.
The Statue of Zeus: The temple’s inner sanctum, or cella, was believed to house a massive statue of Zeus, likely crafted from precious materials such as gold and ivory. While this statue has been lost to time, it would have been an awe-inspiring centerpiece, embodying Zeus’s power and majesty.

Frequently asked questions about the Temple of Zeus (Olympieion)

Is it worth visiting the Columns of the Olympian Zeus?

Absolutely! The Temple of Zeus offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Standing among its 15 remaining columns, you can feel the reverence the ancient Athenians held for the king of the Olympian gods. The balanced proportions and the use of Pentelic marble reflect their engineering prowess which was remarkably advanced for its time.

Why was the Temple of Zeus built?

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, was built to honor Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. The temple’s construction began in the 6th century BCE by Athenian tyrants, however, it took several centuries to complete, with various rulers contributing to its development over time. The Roman Emperor Hadrian finally completed it in 132 CE as a tribute to Greek religion and culture.

What makes the Zeus Temple’s architecture unique?

The Temple of Zeus is renowned for its massive structure and carved Corinthian columns, an unusual addition to Greek temple architecture in 132 AD. When finished, it was one of the largest temples in Greece, with over 104 colossal columns in its sanctuary. Today, the temple’s ruins continue to inspire awe, embodying Hadrian’s vision of a unified nation blending Greek heritage with Roman ideals.

What’s inside the temple?

While the Temple of Zeus now stands as an open-air ruin with only 15 of its original 104 columns, it once housed an enormous statue of Zeus, possibly in a seated position, made from precious metals like gold and ivory. The state was made to awe and inspire, much like the grand Corinthian columns that housed it.

What is the best time to visit the Zeus Temple?

We recommend stopping by the Temple of Zeus early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the midday heat, which is particularly scorching during the peak summer months. You can also consider reaching late in the afternoon and staying until the sun sets to see the warm sun rays shining upon the white marble. For a more relaxed experience, visit around spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds.

How to book Temple of Zeus tickets?

The most convenient way to book Temple of Zeus tickets is to get them online. Online booking is particularly useful during the peak tourist season, from June to August, allowing you to avoid long lines and secure a guaranteed entry at your preferred time.